Nigeria’s Blurred Foreign Policy Vision In A Fractured Global Order Under Tinubu Administration, By Owei Lakemfa

In this opinion piece, labour leader and columnist Owei Lakemfa examines Nigeria’s increasingly blurred foreign policy direction amid a fractured and unpredictable global order. Using the detention and eventual release of eleven Nigerian military officers in Burkina Faso as a case study, Lakemfa questions the Tinubu administration’s handling of diplomacy, security, and international relations. He criticises Nigeria’s reliance on ad-hoc presidential diplomacy, sidelining of the Foreign Ministry, prolonged absence of ambassadors, and embarrassing missteps involving the UAE and global shipping giant Maersk. Lakemfa argues that Nigeria’s traditional Pan-Africanist foreign policy vision has weakened, turning the country into a proxy in regional affairs, and calls for a return to professional diplomacy led primarily by experienced career diplomats to restore credibility and clarity in Nigeria’s global engagement.

Burkina Faso Releases 11 Nigerian Officers After ‘Unauthorized’ Air Force Landing Sparks Diplomatic Tension

Burkina Faso has freed 11 Nigerian military officers detained after a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft made what the junta described as an “unauthorised” landing in Bobo-Dioulasso. While Nigeria maintained that the stop was a technical emergency en route to Portugal, Burkina Faso insisted the aircraft violated its airspace without clearance, prompting a rapid security response. The Alliance of Sahel States—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—condemned the incident as an “unfriendly act” and placed their air forces on maximum alert. Despite the fiery rhetoric, Burkinabè officials later questioned and cleared the officers, who have since returned home. The episode adds to rising tensions between Nigeria and the Sahel juntas amid widening regional security and political rifts.

Burkina Faso Detains 11 Nigerian Officers, Impounds Air Force Aircraft Over Unauthorized Entry

Burkina Faso’s military government has confirmed the detention of 11 Nigerian military personnel and the seizure of a Nigerian Air Force cargo aircraft after it entered the country’s airspace without approval and made an emergency landing.

In a statement issued late Monday, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) said the C-130 aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force was forced to land on December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso due to an in-flight emergency while flying over Burkinabe territory without clearance. The AES comprises Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, all currently under military rule. Authorities disclosed that the aircraft was carrying two crew members and nine passengers, all of whom were later identified as Nigerian military officers.

The 11 individuals are presently being held by Burkinabe authorities. The regional bloc strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a violation of its airspace and national sovereignty. An investigation has been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the unauthorized entry. In response, the AES announced that the armed forces of its three member states have been placed on maximum alert.

The bloc further stated that air defense and anti-aircraft systems across the confederation have been authorized to neutralize any aircraft that violates its airspace. The alliance described the incident as an unfriendly act carried out in breach of international aviation laws and warned that strict measures are now in place to safeguard its territorial integrity and civilian population.

Heartbreaking moment a female Nigerian military officer c%llapses during a parade

16 Nigerian Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot to Oust President Tinubu.

At least sixteen senior military officers have been detained by the Nigerian Armed Forces over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, top security sources confirmed.

Though the military publicly described the arrests as disciplinary actions linked to “failure in promotion examinations” and “career stagnation,” insiders revealed the officers were actually accused of plotting a coup d’état.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had said the arrests followed a “routine military exercise,” citing “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, intelligence gathered by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) reportedly uncovered plans led by a Brigadier General to seize power from “selfish politicians.” The officers, ranging from Captains to senior commanders, were picked up at various locations across the country.

Sources added that the October 1 Independence Day parade was cancelled after authorities discovered the conspirators planned to strike during the ceremony — allegedly targeting the President and other top officials.

The officers are currently being held at the DIA facility in Abuja.

Nigeria has recorded five successful coups since 1960, and rising reports of corruption and mismanagement within the armed forces have recently fuelled frustration and low morale among some ranks.

Court Strikes Down 15-Year Compulsory Service Rule, Upholds Military Officers’ Right to Resign Freely

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has declared unconstitutional the policy requiring Nigerian military officers to serve a minimum of 15 years before resigning.

Delivering judgment on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Justice Emmanuel D. Subilim ruled that members of the Armed Forces cannot be compelled into what he described as “modern-day sl@very under the guise of national service.” He affirmed that officers have the constitutional right to resign at any time.

The case, filed by human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong on behalf of Flight Lieutenant J. A. Akerele, challenged the policy after the officer faced persecution, delayed allowances, career disruptions, and mental d+stress following his attempt to leave the Air Force.

Effiong argued that under Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Akerele had an undeniable right to resign, and that the label “voluntary retirement” could not override the substance of his resignation.

Justice Subilim upheld this position, striking down provisions of the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) mandating a 15-year service period before resignation or retirement. He further barred the Chief of Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force from detaining or compelling Akerele to remain in service.

Effiong welcomed the verdict, calling it a “well-researched decision” that reinforces judicial protection of officers’ rights to resign from the military.